ERIC Number: EJ1110826
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jul-26
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1938-5978
EISSN: N/A
Talking about Religion Matters
Lane, Megan
New England Journal of Higher Education, Jul 2016
It's no secret that diversity and inclusion are values that drive much of the work of higher education professionals. From the first days of our graduate preparation programs, we are encouraged and expected to advocate for the marginalized, to challenge systems of privilege, and to support the holistic development of our students. We explore the interplay of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability and nationality in shaping one's identity, but often neglect one important part of a person's experience: their religion. It feels daunting to consider talking about religion with students for our campus leaders who are typically not trained as spiritual leaders. The underlying belief that you have to be an expert in the theologies and practices of every world religion in order to have a conversation usually prevents those conversations from happening. The Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) found that authenticity, vulnerability and willingness to acknowledge what you don't know can go a long way. IFYC experts outlined nine "Leadership Practices" that demonstrate an institution is working diligently to create a campus culture that values interfaith engagement.
Descriptors: Religious Factors, Religion, Intergroup Relations, Higher Education, Individual Differences, Spiritual Development, College Students, Role of Religion
New England Board of Higher Education. 45 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111. Tel: 617-357-9620; Fax: 617-338-1577; e-mail: info@nebhe.org; Web site: http://www.nebhe.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A